CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – Get your heads up, pants up, grades up and never give up — that was the message of an anti-violence event in Chapel Hill meant to empower youth on Sunday.

Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is an anti-violence activist, former police officer and Air Force veteran.

Hudson’s program has reached 55,000 students and aims to reach at least 1 million, spreading life-lessons through the game of chess.

Hudson teaches youth the game of chess utilizing an over-sized chess board while implementing his message of peace, positivity, and purpose.

“By learning to give rather than take, students walk away with a new mindset. These young people will learn to respect others, think before they make dangerous moves and make sure everything they do is a credit, not a debit, you have to give to get, not take to get,” Hudson said.

During the workshop, Hudson taught students a new currency, he said, called KASH (Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habits) and showed them how it can change their lives for the better.